Patriots build big lead, cruise to victory and into semifinals

Senior forward Naya Perez works the ball inside during Heritage's 51-35 victory Saturday night. (Staff photos)

By Doug Spoon, Editor

They did it again.

Using a balanced scoring attack, strong rebounding and overall aggressive play, the Heritage High girls basketball team extended its best-ever season Saturday night. Leading from start to finish by as much as 23 points, the Patriots defeated visiting Pilibos High of Los Angeles, 51-35.

Lauren Pagtakhan and Sierra Maxwell scored 14 points each and senior forward Naya Perez was a dominating force under the basket as the Patriots improved their overall record to 22-4. They will play at Lawndale Wednesday night in the CIF Division 4AA semifinals.

Playing like a team full of confidence and versatility, the Patriots took advantage of a height advantage and used good ball movement to frustrate the Eagles, who ended their season with a 19-7 record. Heritage jumped out to an 18-7 lead after the first quarter, ending the period with a 9-0 run that included two baskets by Perez.

“I definitely saw an opportunity,” said Perez, who finished with 9 points. “I knew I had a height advantage so I decided to show them what I can do.”

Heritage kept the pressure on to start the second quarter. After Pagtakhan sank a jumper and Maxwell made a steal and drove the length of the court for a layup, Pilibos called timeout, trailing 22-9. By the time guard Mariah Logan sank a jumper from the corner, Heritage had a 20-point lead at 29-9. Pilibos was missing shots and turning the ball over as it became even more of a one-sided game.

Then came the third quarter. Perhaps becoming a bit complacent, the Patriots scored just three points in the period and turned the ball over three times. Even so, Pilobos scored just 10 and continued to trail big, 41-25, entering the final quarter.

“I guess we kind of just thought we had the game in the bag,” Perez said. “We decided to pick it up again because we knew it wasn’t over. That boosted our confidence more, especially with the crowd cheering us on.”

The closest Pilobos got the rest of the way was 13 points at 43-29. Perez, who had scored on a layup a moment earlier, scored again at that point for a 45-29 lead. Perez then blocked a shot at the other end of the court and Maxwell went the other way for a basket, extending the lead again.

Pagtakhan said the knowledge that their team is having a record-breaking season is all the incentive the Patriots need to keep going.

“It’s just crazy, and it helps us continue to push through,” she said.

Senior guard Aaliyah Benavidez chipped in with 7 points and used aggressive defense to break up Pilibos plays time and again.

“I’m so proud of this team,” coach Deanna Meijer said afterward. “They’ve put in the work all year long. August and September, in the weight room, all year long. And we haven’t lost anybody. We’re 12 strong.”

Heritage guard Lauren Pagtakhan brings the ball up court against a Pilibos defender.

 Aaliyah Benavidez turns the corner on a defender and heads toward the basket in the final minutes.

 Patriots freshman Sierra Maxwell tries to beat a defender down the court.